Garlic scape pesto is a delicious summer condiment that can be made in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. This flavorful pesto is not only perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your meals, but it is also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of keto-friendly recipes.
What to know about Garlic Scape Pesto:
- Garlic scapes are the long, green shoots that grow from garlic bulbs.
- The scapes are harvested in the spring and early summer and are a seasonal treat.
- Garlic scapes are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
- Garlic scape pesto has a milder flavor compared to traditional basil pesto, making it a great option for those who don’t like the strong taste of basil.
- Unlike basil pesto, garlic scape pesto can be added to hot dishes without turning black or ruining the flavor.
- Get more information about garlic scapes by clicking here.
Why it’s good for Keto:
Garlic scape pesto is a great addition to the keto diet as it is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It also contains plenty of nutrients that are essential for maintaining a healthy body, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Because it’s so flavorful, a little goes a long way and it is a delicious addition to simply grilled meats and keto-friendly vegetables.
How to Source Garlic Scapes:
Garlic scapes can be found at farmers’ markets or specialty grocery stores during the spring and early summer months. They are often sold in bunches and can be used in a variety of recipes, including soups, stir-fries, and, of course, pesto.
You can also grow your own garlic scapes very easily.
How to Use Garlic Scape Pesto:
Garlic scape pesto can be used in a variety of ways, just like traditional basil pesto. Some ways to use it to dress up your meals are as a sauce for pasta or zoodles, a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled meats.
It can also be used as a marinade for chicken or fish, or mixed into soups and stews for an added burst of flavor.
Finally, you can use it as a base for a salad dressing by stirring it into some olive oil and vinegar.
Storage Information:
Garlic scape pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
It can also be frozen for later use, making it a great option for meal prep. The best way to freeze it is in ice cube trays or other small portions, so that you don’t have to thaw an entire container if you only need a tablespoon or two at a time.
Recipe Notes:
I used walnuts as my nut in this garlic scapes pesto because they are neutral in flavor, cheaper than pine nuts, and easy to get almost everywhere. If you are allergic or don’t have walnuts, you can substitute pine nuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or blanched (skins removed) almonds. I don’t recommend pecans for this pesto as the flavor would be a little weird in my opinion.
I used parsley as my herb to complement the garlic scapes in this pesto recipe, but you can substitute basil or oregano which would be tasty but have a much stronger flavor. You can also omit the parsley and just use more garlic scapes if you have an abundance of them.
Garlic Scape Pesto – Keto
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
Garlic scape pesto is a delicious summer condiment that can be made in minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Units Scale
- 1 cup roughly chopped garlic scapes
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Place the garlic scapes and parsley in a food processor or personal sized blender (like a nutribullet) and pulse for 30 seconds.
- Add the walnuts and pulse another 20 seconds.
- Add the salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated parmesan and pulse for 10-20 seconds, or until the ingredients are uniform and combined.
- Add the olive oil and pulse for just 5 – 10 seconds or until a pesto consistency is reached.
- taste and season with more salt if desired.
- You can also add more olive oil if you want a thinner texture.
Notes
Pro tip: Olive oil resents being blended at high speeds and can become bitter. Adding it at the end prevents this from occurring.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: keto condiments
- Method: blending
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 67
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: garlic scape pesto